The Barça basketball team visit Sant Joan de Déu Pediatric Cancer Center in Barcelona

Children who are patients at the Sant Joan de Déu Pediatric Cancer Center in Barcelona received a visit on Tuesday from the FC Barcelona basketball men's and women's first teams. Willy Hernangómez, Jabari Parker, Jan Vesely, Dame Sarr and Àlex Abrines represented the men's team whilst Lucía Navarro, Faustine Parra, Martyna Petrenaite, Andrea Boquete and Júlia Rueda for the women's team travelled from the Ciutat Esportiva to the center, a world leader in the treatment of child cancer and to which the FC Barcelona Foundation is a founding donor. 

The players spent time with the children, some of whom are long term patients at the hospital. The children and the families were visibly enthused by the visit from the basketball players, an event that forms part of the Pediatric Emotional Welfare programme at the FC Barcelona Foundation. Thanks to these visits the children have the chance to enjoy a break from their routine and step out of the hospital environment. 

Christmas all year 

The visit forms part of the "Christmas all year" initiative from the FC Barcelona Foundation. The campaign has as its objective the broadening of visits from the different professional teams at the Club to hospital and other health centers, ensuring they take place at times of the year aside from Christmas. 

Aware of the ability of FC Barcelona and its sportspeople to bring something positive to ill children in hospital, the Barça Foundation organises visits to hospitals for the different sporting sections at Barça to support these children. Emotional welfare and a favourable environment play a key part in the effectiveness of treatment and in the recovery process for children. The entire medical team believe that such a programme allows the children to experience positive feelings and emotions, a vital factor in facing illness and in improving their prognosis.